Types of Gift Cards in USA: A Complete Guide for Global and Nigerian Users
You are about to figure out the Types of Gift Cards in USA. If you’ve ever wondered what types of gift cards exist in the USA and which ones are worth knowing about, you’re in the right place. I’ve done all the digging for you, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular, widely used, and most valuable gift cards available in the United States.
Whether you’re in Nigeria looking to trade U.S. gift cards or in the U.S. trying to pick the perfect one to gift, this article breaks it all down into simple, bite-sized insights you can use right away.
What Are Gift Cards?
Gift cards are prepaid cards loaded with a fixed amount of money that can be used to buy products or services from specific stores or platforms. They come in both physical and digital formats and are often used as presents, payment alternatives, or tradeable digital assets.
In the U.S., gift cards are a major part of the retail landscape. From shopping and gaming to entertainment and food delivery, there’s a gift card for almost everything.
Why Gift Cards Are So Popular in the USA
There are several reasons why Americans love gift cards:
- Convenience – Easy to buy and send.
- Flexibility – Can be used online or in-store.
- Perfect for Gifting – No need to guess someone’s size or preference.
- Trade and Resale Value – High demand globally, especially in countries like Nigeria.
Most Popular Types of Gift Cards in the USA
There are two main categories: closed-loop gift cards and open-loop gift cards.
1. Retail Gift Cards (Closed-Loop)
These are brand-specific gift cards that can only be used at the issuing retailer.
Examples:
- Amazon Gift Card
Used to purchase millions of items on Amazon. - Walmart Gift Card
Usable at any Walmart location or on Walmart.com. - Target Gift Card
Can be used in-store and online for groceries, electronics, and fashion. - Best Buy Gift Card
Ideal for tech lovers, valid at Best Buy locations and online. - Apple Gift Card
Usable across Apple Stores, Apple.com, the App Store, iTunes, and more.
These types of gift cards are extremely popular for both gifting and trading purposes.
2. Prepaid Debit Gift Cards (Open-Loop)
These are Visa, Mastercard, or American Express branded gift cards. They are not tied to any one store and can be used anywhere the card network is accepted.
Examples:
- Visa Gift Card
- Mastercard Gift Card
- American Express Gift Card
Why they’re valuable:
You can use them just like a regular debit card. They also work internationally, which makes them very popular in gift card trading communities in Nigeria and other countries.
3. Digital and Gaming Gift Cards
These are ideal for gamers and those who consume digital content frequently.
Examples:
- PlayStation Store Gift Card
- Xbox Gift Card
- Steam Gift Card
- Roblox Gift Card
- Razer Gold Gift Card
- Google Play Gift Card
- Apple App Store & iTunes Gift Card
These cards can be used to buy games, in-game currency, subscriptions, and digital content.
4. Entertainment Gift Cards
These are gift cards meant for streaming platforms, cinema access, and other entertainment services.
Examples:
- Netflix Gift Card
- Hulu Gift Card
- Disney+ Gift Card
- Spotify Gift Card
- Fandango Gift Card
These are perfect for people who love movies, TV shows, and music.
5. Food and Restaurant Gift Cards
These are used to purchase meals or groceries either in-person or through delivery services.
Examples:
- Starbucks Gift Card
- Domino’s Pizza Gift Card
- Chipotle Gift Card
- Uber Eats Gift Card
- DoorDash Gift Card
- Grubhub Gift Card
They are convenient for anyone who enjoys ordering food or grabbing a quick bite.
6. Travel and Transport Gift Cards
These are useful for booking flights, rideshares, or fuel purchases.
Examples:
- Uber Gift Card
- Lyft Gift Card
- Southwest Airlines Gift Card
- Delta Airlines Gift Card
- Airbnb Gift Card
If you’re traveling within the U.S. or gifting someone who is, these can be incredibly helpful.
FAQs about Gift xard types
Let’s explore how these types of gift cards align with the questions many people ask:
- What type of gift card is in the USA?
You’ll find retail, digital, open-loop, and food cards all commonly used. - How many types of gift cards are there in the USA?
Dozens. But the most common are retail-specific and Visa/Mastercard-based cards. - What type of store sells gift cards in the USA?
You can find gift cards in convenience stores, supermarkets like Walmart and Target, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, and online marketplaces such as Amazon. - What types of Apple gift cards are available in the USA?
There’s now a unified Apple Gift Card that works across all Apple platforms, including iTunes, App Store, and Apple Store. - Types of Visa Gift Cards in the USA?
There are reloadable and non-reloadable Visa gift cards. Some allow ATM access or international use, while others are strictly for domestic retail spending.
Real-World Use Cases and Tips
If you’re in Nigeria and want to trade U.S. gift cards:
- Visa and Amazon gift cards usually command high resale value.
- Apple gift cards are best sold to users who want to fund iCloud or App Store balances.
- Always check if the card is region-restricted before attempting to redeem or sell it.
If you’re in the U.S. shopping for a gift:
- Retail-specific cards work great if you know where the person shops.
- Prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift cards are your safest bet for flexibility.
- Many cards can now be delivered instantly via email—great for last-minute gifts.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Type of Gift Card
The best gift card depends on who it’s for and what you want them to use it for. If you’re buying for someone in the U.S., almost any brand-specific card will do. If the recipient is in another country like Nigeria, Visa, Amazon, Apple, and Steam cards are safer and more valuable for trade or use.
By understanding the different types of gift cards in the USA, you can choose wisely whether you’re buying, gifting, or trading. You don’t need to overthink it. Just match the card to the need, and you’re good to go.